Yamal returns: Spain's XI vs Saudi Arabia is set

The starting XIs have been confirmed for Spain and Saudi Arabia in their second 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H match. Both managers' choices are now clear ahead of the game in Atlanta, where La Roja aim to respond.

After a shock 0-0 draw with Cabo Verde in their opener, Spain's Luis de la Fuente made notable changes to freshen up the attack. The biggest news is that young star Lamine Yamal, over his hamstring injury, starts in the XI. Having managed just 20 minutes against Cabo Verde, Yamal lines up from the off this time. De la Fuente also brought in Alex Baena, Dani Olmo and Pedro Porro; in midfield, Pedri and Olmo line up alongside captain Rodri. Unai Simón is in goal, with Cucurella, Cubarsí and Laporte in defence, and Mikel Oyarzabal up top. Gavi, Ferran Torres, Nico Williams, Fabián Ruiz and Mikel Merino start on the bench, as does Liverpool-bound Víctor Muñoz.

For Saudi Arabia, manager Georgios Donis kept faith in the side that snatched a point against Uruguay. Mohammed Al Owais is in goal, with Abdulhamid, Al Amri and Tambakti in defence. Star and captain Salem Al Dawsari and Nasser Al Dawsari both start, with Al Khaibari and Lajami in midfield. Up front, Firas Al-Buraikan and Musab Al-Juwayr will look to pounce on rare forays. The Falcons are expected to set up a disciplined, compact defensive block, aware they will be on the back foot for most of the game.

Both teams are targeting three points here. For Spain, a win is crucial both to get ahead in the race for top spot and to enter next week's showdown with Uruguay at an advantage.

Starting XIs
Spain: Simón; Porro, Cubarsí, Laporte, Cucurella; Rodri, Pedri, Olmo; Yamal, Oyarzabal, Baena
Saudi Arabia: Al Owais; Abdulhamid, Al Amri, Tambakti, N. Al Dawsari; Al Khaibari, Lajami; S. Al Dawsari, Al Harbi, Al Juwayr; Al Buraikan

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